On August 13, just a couple weeks after beginning the plan, I was 3% through the Bible. Hence the name of that post. Today I'm 97% through. Hence today's title. I've got just over a week left before being done my reading plan.
There is a remarkable beauty in the discipline of daily devotional reading of the Scripture. There is difficulty too, but there is great joy and encouragement. In Here is Our God, an edited collection of the messages at the 2012 Gospel Coalition National Women's Conference, Nancy Leigh DeMoss wrote,
When speaking on the topic of cultivating intimacy with God through the practice of a daily devotional life, I often ask the women attending to be honest and raise their hand if at this point in time they do not have a consistent devotional habit. Invariably the response is the same. ... Approximately 90 percent say, "I don't currently have a consistent devotional life." I mention this not to create guilt but to stress that there is no shortcut to spiritual transformation, hard as we might try to find one.
It is through beholding Christ in his Word that we see him and are transformed into his image, "from one degree of glory to another" (2 Cor. 3:18). I thank God for the blessing and influence of godly preachers and good books. But they are only useful to the extent that they help us get to Jesus. They are no substitute for spending time with Christ himself. They cannot transform us. Only Jesus can do that.
You don't have to be following a daily Bible reading plan to have a daily devotion time in the Scriptures. But you do need to be having that devotion time! Reading, studying, and knowing the Word of God is the key to intimacy with God and fellowship in the Spirit. It is the key to spiritual transformation. It is the key to encouragement and joy and peace. It is the key to knowing Christ.
If you have fallen off the path of daily time in God's Word, may you be encouraged to return to it. If you have struggled lately with finding delight in reading rather than duty, may you be encouraged to see afresh Christ on the pages of Scripture. If you find yourself undisciplined, perhaps you should consider a Bible reading plan. If you are deep in the trenches of a plan or simply your own daily devotions, may you be strengthened and encouraged to continue on in the trek!
Devotions are not meant to be a bore or a chore, but a time of transformation wherein we grow closer to God. May this inspire us and ignite us in our desire for the Word!
For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:24-25)
End Note: If you're looking for a Bible reading plan but are unsure of where to start, Justin Taylor has compiled this excellent post with a wide, thorough variety of options. If you have more questions, feel free to contact me!
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